While kids may not love bedtime as much as some adults do, many of them enjoy bedtime picture books or bedtime reading in general. The stories on this list are specifically designed for bedtime. They may not lull your voracious reader to bed, but they’ll give them plenty of sweet things to dream about.
The Best Bedtime Picture Books for Kids
Here are some of the best bedtime picture books for kids:
I Love You Like Yellow
Published: March 29, 2022
I love you like yellow.
I love you like green.
Like flowery orchid
and sweet tangerine . . .
Love comes in many forms. It can feel tart as lemonade, or sweet as sugar cookies. Slow as a lazy morning, or fast as a relay race. Love is there through it all: the large and small moments, the good times and bad. And at the end of the day, love settles us down to bed with a hug and kiss goodnight.
This Book Will Get You to Sleep
Published: April 5, 2022
ATTENTION, READER: This book is going to MAKE YOU TIRED! It will CALM YOU DOWN! Yes, this book WILL PUT YOU TO SLEEP! How? Easy.
There are monster trucks dashing across the pages. There are sheep being chased by dragons. There are electric guitars wailing throughout. Plus so MUCH MORE! Yep. All the typical stuff that makes you sleepy. So . . . are you asleep yet? No? Well, maybe another method would work better . . . So read on, and it’s guaranteed you’ll start to snooze!
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures
Published: January 14, 2020
t’s bedtime. But Mommy’s little one is not sleepy.
He growls like a bear, he questions like an owl, he tosses his mane like a lion. He hunts for water like a sly wolf, and hides like a snake.
Mommy needs to wrangle her sweet creature in bed so that the whole family can sleep. From tigers to squirrels to snakes, the little boy dodges around his bedtime, until he is tired enough to finally sleep. His imaginative animal friends weave their way through the illustrations, eventually joining him in curling up for the night.
For those seeking children’s books about diversity, this loving depiction of everyday shenanigans is sure to become a bedtime favorite. Bedtime for Sweet Creatures is an African American children’s book that celebrates imagination, playful moments, and the love between a Black mother and child.
Ten Little Night Stars
Published: January 23, 2018
Ten Little Night Stars is a sweet bedtime counting book perfect for the youngest readers. One by one the stars come out in the night sky, as cute and cuddly animals go through their bedtime routines. Written by Deb Gruelle, great-great-grand-niece of Johnny Gruelle, the creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, Ten Little Night Stars is the perfect bedtime story for parents and children alike.
This board book will:
- Encourage children with interactive and engaging rhymes
- Take them through bath time, story time and sleep
- Teach children about routines and bedtime prayers
Ten Little Night Stars is for:
- Ages: Babies-5
- Children beginning new bedtime routines or struggling with going to sleep
Everyone’s Awake
Published: March 3, 2020
Giggle your way to sweet and silly dreams! A simple goodnight routine turns marvelously madcap in this cleverly rhymed picture book. Instead of settling down to sleep, Dad bakes bread, Mom fixes the roof, and Grandma plays cards with a ghost. And between the dog, the cat, Sister, and Brother, there’s at least three different wars being waged! A modern classic perfect for read-aloud fun and bedtime alike.
• A wildly fun read-aloud book for families
• A laugh-out-loud book perfect for any child who struggles with getting ready for bed
• Written by the lead singer of the Decemberists, the silly and clever rhymes make Everyone’s Awake fun for both parent and child.
Little Dinosaur( Ten Minutes to Bed)
Published: October 20, 2020
Running through the jungle, Rumble the triceratops is off on an adventure! But will he get to bed on time? Written specifically for bedtime, this story is full of muddy puddles, tropical birds, erupting volcanoes, and one fun-loving little dinosaur. Adorable and heartwarming, this ten-minute countdown to bed is the perfect picture book to send little ones off to sleep.
Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Say Good Night
Published: September 1, 2020
Rosie the dragon’s bedtime routine has been a little bumpy lately. But not to worry! Charlie is prepared with his lists, rules, and fire extinguisher―everything a boy needs to help guide his pet dragon (and best friend) to a peaceful night’s sleep. But with bath-time bubble trouble, fiery-hot pajamas, and stuffed animal search-and-rescues, tucking this dragon into bed is not an easy task. And what happens when thunder strikes? Snuggle up with this adorable duo as they conquer bedtime the best way: together!
Tucked in the Barn
Published: August 5, 2020
“The sun is low
so it’s time to go.
The animals are asleep,
and we don’t hear a peep.
The night is slowly falling,
and Daddy is calling.
We’ve said goodnight.
Let’s close the barn tight.”
But sweet little girl doesn’t want to go home. When there is a beautiful barn full of furry and feathered friends around and a cozy clump of hay, going to back to her bedroom for bedtime doesn’t seem like that much fun to a little girl. She will stay here and check whose bed is the coziest, the warmest and the most comfortable?
Sweet and restful lullaby story on the little girl and her charming baby-animals friends will make your way to dreamland full of joy and happiness.
Sleepy little farm babies are going to beds in beautiful illustrations that tell an endearing and funny bedtime story and create a truly engaging experience.
With so many sweet, detailed pictures, your little one will see something new each time you hug and snuggle up to read Tucked in the barn.
Hey Duggee: Goodnight Duggee
Published: September 19, 2019
It’s time for bed at the Squirrel Club but the squirrels are struggling to sleep!
Join your favourite squirrels as they try sleeping upside down,standing up and holding hands . . . Will they ever fall asleep and earn their Sleeping Badges?
Featuring all of your favourite characters from the triple BAFTA-winning CBeebies show, this board book story is perfect for reading at bedtime and naptime with little Hey Duggee fans.
Tiger Like Me
Published: September 1, 2019
Life is more fun when you’re a tiger like me!
A little boy―um, no, a tiger!―tells us all about what he gets up to on an ordinary day: how he wakes up in his tiger den, what he eats for breakfast at his feeding spot, and how little tigers feel when they are wide awake, hungry, thirsty, or in the mood for adventures. But at night, even the wildest of tigers is happy to curl up in bed with Tiger-Mom and Tiger-Dad and become a cuddly little tiger cub.
Sloth Wasn’t Sleepy
Published: January 12, 2021
For any child having trouble getting to sleep, the most lovable animal in the rain forest is here to help.
One night at bedtime, Sloth wasn’t sleepy.
“What if I worry when I try to fall asleep?” Sloth said.
“Ah … worries,” Mama said. “We will have to let them go.”
A tough day, a bad dream, a scary noise … these are just a few of the things that can keep kids wide awake and frightened after dark. But Mama Sloth knows the secrets for calming worried minds and getting to sleep―and as she shares them with her daughter, young readers will learn valuable relaxation skills that last a lifetime.
Sloth Wasn’t Sleepy does more than provide a sweet bedtime story―kids will join Sloth to learn mindfulness practices such as “shrinking down” fears in their mind and calming their body through breath and simple visualizations. Kate Messner’s beautiful book helps parents and kids relax into dreamland with a sense of peace, safety, and belonging.
Night Night, Dino-Snores
Published: March 6, 2018
Say good night to the dinosaurs as they settle down to sleep in this gentle bedtime read with rhyming text. A tiny and tired T-rex enjoys a ride home on Mom’s back; sleepy Stegosauruses look for a comfortable place to lie down; and the Diplodocuses curl up on the ground after spending the day munching leaves. As the stars twinkle in the dark sky, all of the dinosaurs fall asleep. Includes touch-and-feel elements throughout the book and one on the cover!
Night, Night to the Animals
Published: May 24, 2020
Every animal has their den, their burrow, a barn, nest or pen. This delightful, soothing lullaby illustrates to little ones that just like them, the little animals must also go to sleep.
An easy-to-hold board book for bedtime reading with illustrations of sleepy bears, bunnies, a pair of sweet otters, and more!
Each animal has their own special home that fits them just right to lay their sleepy head down at night. With this rhyming bedtime story, you can explore the outdoors with your toddler and introduce them to all the places where animals make their homes.
- Includes “This Book Belongs to” book plate for personalization
- Board book with soft padded cover
- Perfect for everyday reading
- Gentle illustrations provide a soothing bedtime story to read
- Add to a young reader’s library, today!
Night, Night Groot
Published: April 4, 2017
It’s been a long day for baby Groot and he’s ready to be tucked in for bed.
Just as his eyes start to close, Rocket Raccoon bursts onto the scene! Groot can’t go to sleep yet, there’s a whole galaxy that needs to be defended and they must work together to save the day! Then maybe, just maybe, Groot will finally get the rest he deserves!
- Each page has a hidden a tiny Ant-Man. Can you find him?
- Illustrated by award-winning children’s book artist Cale Atkinson
- Combining a rhyme scheme suitable for young fans with the zany world of Rocket and Groot, this bed time book delivers a memorable story that is sure to stick around for many nights to come!
Bedtime Bonnet
Published: April 7, 2020
This joyous and loving celebration of family is the first-ever picture book to highlight Black nighttime hair traditions–and is perfect for every little girl who knows what it’s like to lose her bonnet just before bedtime.
In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!
My brother slips a durag over his locs.
Sis swirls her hair in a wrap around her head.
Daddy covers his black waves with a cap.
Mama gathers her corkscrew curls in a scarf.
I always wear a bonnet over my braids, but tonight I can’t find it anywhere!
Goodnight Little One
Published: November 1, 2018
How many ways can you say goodnight to your little one? Settle down for the evening and join these animal families as they prepare for sleep. With easy-flow rhymes and adorable illustrations, Good Night Little One is the perfect bedtime read and a must-have for every child’s bookshelf. This large, padded board book makes a sweet gift for a new baby or toddler.
How Animals Say Goodnight
Published: January 29, 2021
From elephants to dolphins, penguins to bats, this charming, beautifully illustrated book will teach your child about each animal’s unique sleep process.
A delightful book with clever rhymes and charming watercolor illustrations—perfect for sharing with a special little one. This sweet bedtime story for kids will help them relax and fall asleep in their own beds.
How to Catch a Monster
Published: December 26, 2013
Eric hates taking a bath. Eric hates brushing his teeth. Eric hates putting on his pajamas. Let’s face it, Eric hates getting ready for bed.
Thankfully, Eric’s mom and dad have the perfect plan to help their little boy. Find out what a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a monster has to do with it.
Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues
Published: October 6, 2015
Bedtime is always fun with this hilarious bedtime story from Kimberly and James Dean’s New York Times bestselling Pete the Cat series.
Pete the Cat and his friends are having so much fun playing and surfing in the sun, they don’t want the day to end. Pete has an idea—how about a sleepover? Groovy!
As the night gets later, it’s time for bed. This cool cat needs to catch some ZZZs, but Pete’s friends aren’t ready to go to sleep just yet. Then Pete has another idea—a bedtime story! But will it work?
The musical text and comforting repetition are perfect for nighttime read-alouds. Kids will be eager to snuggle under the covers and drift off to sleep to this bedtime story along with Pete’s really cool friends.
Interrupting Chicken
Published: August 10, 2010
It’s time for the little red chicken’s bedtime story—and a reminder from Papa to try not to interrupt. But the chicken can’t help herself! Whether the tale is Hansel and Grettel or Little Red Riding Hood or even Chicken Little, she jumps into the story to save its hapless characters from doing some dangerous or silly thing.
Now it’s the little red chicken’s turn to tell a story, but will her yawning papa make it to the end without his own kind of interrupting? Energetically illustrated with glowing colors—and offering humorous story-within-a-story views—this all-too-familiar tale is sure to amuse (and hold the attention of) spirited little chicks.
Bedtime for Batman
Published: August 1, 2016
When a dark night comes to the big city, one little super hero prepares for a great adventure . . . bedtime! He dons his pajama uniform, speeds upstairs, cleans up the nightly grime, and keeps watch from his towering bunk bed. Written by award-winning author Michael Dahl (Goodnight Baseball, Goodnight Football, and Goodnight Hockey) and illustrated by Ethen Beavers (DC Super Friends), this bedtime tale will have Batman fans, young and old, delighting in their nightly routines. Bedtime for Batman is the perfect way to say goodnight to your little Dark Knight.
Good Night, Little Blue Truck
Published: October 15, 2019
Beep! Beep! Beep! It’s time for sleep. A storm is brewing and Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are hurrying home for bed. But who can sleep with all that racket? It’s not long before other friends show up seeking safety from the storm. Thunder and lightning sure can be scary, but it’s easy to be brave together. When the clouds roll on and the sky is clear, it’s all aboard for a bedtime ride! Beep! Beep! Shhh . . . Don’t miss Blue’s trip to the city in Little Blue Truck Leads the Way.
Sleep Like A Tiger
Published: October 23, 2012
In this magical bedtime story, the lyrical narrative echoes a Runaway Bunny – like cadence: “Does everything in the world go to sleep?” the little girl asks. In sincere and imaginative dialogue between a not-at-all sleepy child and understanding parents, the little girl decides “in a cocoon of sheets, a nest of blankets,” she is ready to sleep, warm and strong, just like a tiger. The Caldecott Honor artist Pamela Zagarenski’s rich, luminous mixed-media paintings effervesce with odd, charming details that nonsleepy children could examine for hours. A rare gem.
Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey
Published: October 22, 2013
You only have to close your eyes
And when you snuggle in….
You’ll be carried to your dream tonight
On wing or paw or fin
Snuggle into bed and discover what your dream animal might be and where it could take you! Could it be a bear who brings you to bake pastries? A fox who ushers you into a magical forest? Mermaids with whom you can sip tea?
With a perfect nighttime rhyme and gorgeous illustrations, this book is the ideal addition to any bedtime reading routine. Little ones won’t mind closing their eyes once they learn what wonders await in their dreams.
Little Owl’s Night
Published: September 1, 2011
It’s evening in the forest and Little Owl wakes up from his day-long sleep to watch his friends enjoying the night. Hedgehog sniffs for mushrooms, Skunk nibbles at berries, Frog croaks, and Cricket sings. A full moon rises and Little Owl can’t understand why anyone would want to miss it. Could the daytime be nearly as wonderful? Mama Owl begins to describe it to him, but as the sun comes up, Little Owl falls fast asleep.
Goodnight, Little Monster
Published: January 5, 2012
Little Monster needs to get ready for bed. That means howling at the moon, scrubbing his scales, getting into his creepy PJs, and enjoying a nice snack before bed: worm juice and baked beetle bread. And, of course, Little Monster’s mother is nearby to tuck Little Monster into bed and turn on his night-light―because even little monsters can be afraid of the dark. Bonnie Leick’s soft, child-friendly illustrations rendered in watercolor bring a new and quiet twist to the evening’s bedtime ritual. Sweet dreams, Little Monster!
Bedtime Stories for Kids
Published: June 9, 2015
Are you looking for a children’s book that is highly entertaining, great for early readers, and is jam-packed with bedtime stories? This children’s storybook has it all!
This is an excellent read for beginning and early readers. Each story is easy to read and relaxing with cute images for younger readers!
Sleepyheads
Published: August 2, 2016
The sun has set, and sleepyheads all across the land are tucked into their cozy beds.
Rabbit is snoozing in the weeds, and Duck is snuggled in the reeds.
Bear is nestled in his cave, and Otter is rocking on a wave.
But there’s one little sleepyhead who’s not in his bed.
Where, oh where, could he be?
Llama Llama Red Pajama
Published: May 5, 2005
Llama, Llama red pajama
waiting, waiting for his mama.
Mama isn’t coming yet.
Baby Llama starts to fret.
In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn’t come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right. Children will relate to Baby Llama’s need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama’s reassuring message.
Good Night Little Turtle
Published: February 12, 2014
It’s time for bed. But first, our little turtle needs to say goodnight to his animal friends. We follow him on a short adventure as he says goodnight, one-by-one, to his friend the sheep, bird, frog, dog, rabbit and lion. He brushes his teeth, gets a bedtime story of his own and drifts off to sleep.
This book makes the perfect gift for turtle lovers or anyone that could use a good bedtime story.
If Animals Kissed Good Night
Published: June 3, 2014
What if animals did what YOU do? This bestselling story imagines how animals would kiss their loved ones good night!
If animals kissed good night like we do…how would they do it? Giraffe and his calf would stretch their necks high, Wolf and his pup would kiss and then HOWL, and Sloth and her baby would move sooooo sloooowwwww. And across the animal kingdom, every creature would share love in a unique way.
Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night
Published: January 1, 2012
Discover what bedtime looks like for the snowplows, dump trucks, giant cranes, and more that dot the pages of this irresistible construction story. Just like you and me, the vehicles in this story get tuckered out after a long day of hard work and need to quiet down and settle in for sweet dreams. Young readers will surely identify as these trucks ask for one more story while their parents sing them a goodnight song and send them off to bed.
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
Published: May 4, 2011
As the sun sets behind the big construction site, all the hardworking trucks get ready to say goodnight. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator finish their work and lie down to rest—so they’ll be ready for another day of rough and tough construction play!
Bedtime Little Bear
Published: August 31, 2012
Little Bear doesn’t want to go to bed. He wants to keep playing. When Mother Bear and the forest animals call to him, he pretends he can’t hear. But the sun is sinking and soon it will be dark. Will Little Bear find his way home before night time comes? Find out in this magical, moonlit, bedtime story.
A Book of Sleep
Published: September 8, 2009
When the sky grows dark
and the moon glows bright,
everyone goes to sleep . . .
except for the watchful owl!
With a spare, soothing text and beautifully rich and textured illustrations of a starry night, this is the perfect “book of sleep.” Join the owl on his moonlit journey as he watches all the other animals settle in for the night: some sleep standing up, while some sleep on the move! Some sleep peacefully alone, while others sleep all together, huddled close.
Monsters Go Night-Night
Published: August 16, 2016
Bedtime means brushing your teeth, putting on pajamas, snuggling, and kissing your family goodnight. For monsters, bedtime looks a little different. They brush their teeth, but not with a toothbrush. They get dressed for bed, but not in slippers and nightcaps. They snuggle, but not with a blankie or a teddy bear. Monsters Go Night-Night takes readers through the bedtime rituals of seven friendly monsters while making each step of the routine a guessing game. Getting ready for bed has never been so much fun!
Max and the Won’t Go to Bed Show
Published: September 30, 2014
A fabulous bedtime show that’s perfect for a bedtime reading adventure!Join Max and his dazzling show! But in the end, even great magicians need to go to sleep.Max the Magnificent is a daring magician. He can make cookies disappear, make animals appear, and even tame savage beasts! Cheer as he makes a cookie disappear (very slowly)! Gasp as he asks for ten (yes, ten) bedtime stories! Will he be able to accomplish the most difficult trick and put off bedtime?
Dinasour vs. Bedtime
Published: September 9, 2008
Roaaaar! Roaaaar! This little dinosaur usually wins everything, and nothing can stop him—not talking grownups, spaghetti, or even bath time. But what happens when he faces the biggest challenge of all—bedtime? With a dramatic, giggle-inducing storytime text including irresistible ROAARS, little dinosaurs will be begging for this book to be read again and again!
The Goodnight Train
Published: September 1, 2006
All aboard for Dreamland! Hold on to your pillow because the Goodnight Train is taking off. Roll that corner, rock that curve, and soar past mermaids, leaping sheep, and even ice-cream clouds. You won’t want to miss a thing, so whatever you do, don’t . . . close . . . your . . . eyes! With soothing, lyrical words and magical illustrations, June Sobel and Laura Huliska-Beith have created a nighttime fantasy that’s guaranteed to make even the most resistant sleeper snuggle up tight.
The Bunnies Are Not in their Beds
Published: February 12, 2013
Here’s the perfect bedtime read-aloud for the very youngest child. The text is filled with fun noises—click clack, click clack—and a repeating refrain—good night, good night, sleep tight—that’s sure to have kids chiming in as they follow the antics of these bunnies who won’t stay in bed. Kids will identify with the mischievous bunnies and their desire to play. Meanwhile, parents will empathize with Mama and Daddy’s struggle to get them to sleep.
Pirates in Pyjamas
Published: August 13, 2015
Pirates in Pyjamas is a hilarious rhyming romp – perfect for bedtimes and little pirates everywhere. Beautifully illustrated by Tom Knight, this book is packed full of piratey humour, jazzy jim-jams and a cosy-dozy ending. Bedtimes will never be boring again with this fantastic first picture book from Caroline Crowe. Perfect for fans of The Pirate Cruncher and Aliens Love Underpants. Have you ever wondered whether pirates wear pyjamas when it’s time to say goodnight? Well leap aboard the Leaky Parrot to find out! Captain Grotbeard and his crew love nothing better than bubble baths, jim-jams and pillow fights! So if you want to be a pirate you don’t need a patch or sword – just grab your best pyjamas and a bed to climb aboard.
There they are: 35+ of the best bedtime picture books! Which of these have you read and loved? Which ones did I miss?
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Lots of great books. I especially like This Book Will Get You to Sleep. Such fun!